The veterinary technician is a vital member of the veterinary team. They support the veterinarians by performing medical and laboratory dealings in animal clinics and hospitals. Few technicians work in research field. Veterinary techs can also work at colleges, zoos, marine parks, food industry, biomedical labs, military base, humanitarian societies, drug manufacturing and sales departments.
Opting to be a veterinary technician implies caring for all the animals. A veterinary technician’s career is a good option for all those who enjoy working with animals and communicating with the public. There are several accountabilities involved in this career therefore; only the ones who are determined to put sincere endeavor should consider a technicians career.
Educational Requirements:
Veterinary technicians are required to go through numerous levels of training before commencing their career.
High school students who are interested in this field ought to take biology, science and math courses. The candidates have to enroll in a two-year veterinary technology accredited program at community colleges to obtain their Associate degrees. However, to acquire a bachelor’s degree they have to attend four-year training programs. Training comprises of lab and medical work with live animals. The programs typically include courses on chemistry, biology, animal diseases anesthesia and animal anatomy.
Each state necessitates its veterinary technicians to be credentialed by clearing the state exam. The technicians are considered certified, licensed or registered when they pass this exam.
Career:
This career is ideal for anyone who wants to work with animals but is unable to complete eight years course to become a veterinarian. A technician is relied upon to assist and carry out routine laboratory or clinical procedures set by the doctor. In this job, their prime duty is to offer high class, humane care to the animals during the treatment process.
Additionally, they should possess knowledge about the daily duties of the clinics or laboratories where they work. They are required to support the veterinarian with assessments, administering intravenous medicines, surgeries etc. They also carry out fecal tests, blood tests and urine analysis.
Furthermore, they perform numerous administrative functions which include greeting clients at the front desk, filing papers, creating reports, maintaining documents, handling pet insurance procedures and so on. Large veterinary hospitals normally recruit employees who are exclusively accountable for these types of administrative tasks which enable the veterinary technicians to spend more time with the animals and on the treatment process; while small clinics and offices have the technicians execute these tasks.
All Veterinary Technician are required to perform few common functions pertaining to animal care on a daily basis:
- Complete medical tests on animals which covers drawing of blood and preparing tissue tests;
- Treat and analyze medical situations and diseases;
- Prepare and control the animals during the treatment process and dress their wounds;
- Record case histories of the animals such as their food intake, weight and visible signs of pain or distress, for future reference;
- Take x-rays and develop it or use heart machines to monitor heart beats;
- Prepare the animals for surgical treatment and provide expert nursing care;
- Help the veterinarians with the dental procedures of the animals;
- Administer medicines orally or through injections;
- Communicate with the pet owners to educate them about their pets and advise them the correct manner to care for them.
- Technicians who are employed in the biomedical field look after the research animals in a compassionate way and thus help with the research projects.
Earnings:
Veterinary technicians earn median annual wages of $32,000.
A career as a veterinary technician can be truly rewarding for people who work sincerely and love animals.